Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has required Hanoi to verify signs of physical abuse toward foreign women after accusations have gone viral over the past few days.

A victim of sexual harassment in Hanoi. Photo: Zing

Hanoi’s authorities need to have strict penalties to perpetrators of sexual harassment that has been reported on local media, according to the Government’s Office.

The accusations were filed after a number of foreign women told local media and communities on social platforms, triggering indignation over the molestation that now targets to a wider range of victims.

News on media shows that from late January to late February, a number of adolescents covering face with masks and riding on motorbikes with hidden plates committed sexual molestation to four foreign women who were strolling around West Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Hanoi where many expats reside.

The abuse has somewhat threatened walking outside at night in that area of the city.

Regarding the accusations, some embassies in Hanoi have warned their citizens of the situation.

The US Embassy in Hanoi urged American citizens to be careful and consider traveling in groups when walking or jogging in that area.

On March 4, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh asked the local police to investigate these incidents.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Hai Trung, director of the Hanoi Department of Police, demanded extensive investigations on the cases.